CFM: March 3–9
Videos, Podcasts, & Weekly Lesson Material
Resources and Insights for this Week's Lesson
Introduction
In this week’s lesson, we are going to take a deep dive into the Atonement and explore it through the lens of a musical parable. This approach builds on concepts we introduced in earlier lessons (notably from D&C 3-5, Moroni 7-9, and Section 18), so if you need a refresher, it may help to revisit those discussions first. For those comfortable venturing a bit deeper—and open to some Greek and Hebrew insights—this lesson will offer an additional layer of context for appreciating the eternal aspects of the Savior’s sacrifice.
Before we begin, I assume that most people reading this post are not linguistic experts, so if you are not familiar with Hebrew and Greek, here are a few helpful points to keep in mind:
Reading Direction & Word Order: Hebrew is read right to left, while Greek, like English, is read left to right. Both languages also employ word orders that differ from standard English structure, so consulting your KJV Bible in tandem with the provided interlinear texts can help you acclimate.
Symbolic Language: Hebrew and Greek are highly symbolic. For a brief overview of interpreting symbolic language, refer back to the approach we discussed in our Revelation 1-5 lesson. Understanding the symbolic language and patterns of scripture can greatly enhance your appreciation for scriptural nuance.
Parables Everywhere: Christ famously taught in parables throughout the Gospels, but His parabolic style can surface in surprising places outside the New Testament. The Savior is ever teaching; as we “tune in,” we discover His lessons all around us.
By way of background, in last week’s lesson, we focused on foundations and frameworks for building up God’s Kingdom on Earth. I used the “Circle of Fifths” as a metaphor to better visualize certain eternal, cyclical elements—these are concepts we discussed in D&C 3–5 and earlier in Moroni 7–9, and more examples can be found throughout scripture. This lesson expands upon those ideas, and in Section 19, these patterns are highlighted. If you haven’t read or need to review those previous materials, I encourage you to pause and do so. It will help clarify how these newer, deeper topics fit within the same broader pattern.
My Personal Testimony & Background
Allow me to provide some background on how I learned to understand these concepts.
As a classically trained musician, I’ve always seen music as a sacred method of communication, but about ten years ago, my understanding was greatly amplified through some personal life experiences. In our Moroni 7-9 lesson, I mentioned how I was searching for answers to help me connect with my autistic daughter, and these musical associations were part of that revelatory process.
Initially, I began to recognize interesting patterns in music theory, simple observations, things like the seven notes of the diatonic musical scale correlating with the rainbow, and the seven creative periods. Likewise, the 12 chromatic tones align with the 12 Apostles and the 12 Tribes of Israel. At first, I thought these were interesting “coincidences.” Yet, as I started to dig deeper, I found myself down the proverbial rabbit hole. I quickly discovered that these were not coincidences at all but part of a “divine design” that, to me, testified in a very profound way that all things truly do testify of Jesus Christ.
This was the beginning of what I call my “true conversion,” part of what would become an ongoing quest to learn more about how the truths of the gospel shape everything around us—often without our realizing it. For the past decade, I’ve immersed myself in extensive research on this subject. In doing so, I acquired the skills to read and translate Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and other languages since many of the texts and manuscripts that I encountered were not available in English. This opened my eyes to the importance of learning ancient languages, as so many plain and precious truths get lost in translation, even in the most ideal circumstances. The Jewish poet, Haim Nachman Bialik described that "Reading the Bible in translation is like kissing your new bride through a veil." And I found this to be very true. The scriptures are sealed books, and if we want to truly understand them, we have to get to know them on their terms. We must learn to appreciate their language, history, and culture.
Early Discoveries
One of the ways we become familiar with someone or something is to look for patterns. As musicians, we are trained to look for patterns; this is especially helpful when having to memorize long scores. One pattern that caught my attention early in this process had to do with linguistic connections. I was struck by the overlap of several terminologies that were used in both music and scripture, things like “key signatures” and “keys of the kingdom/priesthood.”
Was there a deeper connection, or was it simply coincidence? As I looked into the matter, I discovered that the Greek term for our modern “key signature” traces back to ancient Byzantine usage of the word Martyrie—“Witnesses”—to denote modal patterns similar to current key signatures. In this sense, “signature” and “witness” shared a thematic link. I also learned that the old Latin term for a major key signature was Durr, a designation still employed in modern German musical notation.
In Hebrew and Arabic, Durr refers to the nacre of a “pearl.” In Greek, the word for pearl is "magarites," which is likely where the term major was initially derived (Greek: margarites → Italian “maggiore”→ French "majeur" → English Major).
If one recalls, in the book of Revelation (21:21), we read of twelve pearly gates surrounding God’s Kingdom. At its center stands His throne, encircled by a rainbow and twenty-four elders (4:2-4). Lehi describes a similar theophany in 1 Nephi 1:8, where angels around the throne are “in the attitude of singing.” Seeing these parallel images, I couldn’t help but think of the Circle of Fifths and notice connections to the “Breastplate of Righteousness.” Could modern music theory, in part, stem from the symbolic patterns of such sacred visionary experiences? (The Throne-Theophany and Prophetic Commission in 1 Nephi: A Form Critical Analysis)
As I continued to research, I spent considerable time examining the etymologies of musical terms and the origins of various symbols. It’s worth remembering that our system of musical notation was largely developed by Christian priests in Europe, and they embedded significant religious symbolism into its design. For instance, I found that the flat sign (♭) traces back to an ancient Germanic rune, ᚦ (Thurisaz), which literally means “thorn.” That image may call to mind both the crown of thorns placed on the Savior’s head during the Crucifixion and the thorns introduced after the Fall (Genesis 3:18), symbolizing the consequences of sin. I also learned that the sharp sign (♯) was originally meant to represent a cross, and a second cross within that sign was added to symbolize those who “took up their cross” to follow the Savior (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).
Visualizing these concepts on the circle of fifths, we find seven flat keys on the left side and seven sharp keys on the right.
In this analogy, the left side represents the seven dispensations of humankind, each marked by a leading prophet and each ultimately led to a “fall” or apostasy. However, notice that at the seventh dispensation—the Millennium—these “flats” or falls cease, transitioning into “sharp” keys on the right.
Meanwhile, the right side corresponds to the seven wounds inflicted upon the Savior during the Crucifixion, each answering for and expiating the sins of each dispensation. These wounds include the nails in His hands, wrists, and feet, as well as the spear in His side—together symbolizing a full, complete, perfect, and eternal Atonement.
Having explored some ways that the seven dispensations and the Savior’s seven wounds align in this circle-of-fifths analogy, we see a powerful reminder of Christ’s complete atonement for all. Now, let’s connect these insights to the scriptural narrative for this week’s lesson, where the Lord declares Himself “Alpha and Omega,” linking back to the eternal round we’ve previously discussed.
In context with the account we are studying this week, there is another concept to emphasize: notice how the Lord introduces Himself, as "Alpha and Omega." We’ve touched on the “eternal round” concept in D&C 3-5, which ties closely to this idea. In Greek, Alpha and Omega represent the first and last letters of the alphabet—much like A to Z in English. This is comparable to Aleph-Vav-Tav in the Hebrew Aleph-beyt. These letters symbolize the building blocks of “the Word,” or Logos, the same expression John uses to depict Jesus Christ in John 1:1. Because of language differences, many readers miss the fact that John is alluding to Genesis 1:1. Let’s explore these texts from both Hebrew and Greek perspectives.
Notice that in Genesis 1:1, there is a word that is not translated, את 'et, spelled Aleph-Tav, which is circled in red. The Alpha and Omega concept that links Jesus Christ to "the Word" in John 1:1 is a direct reflection of the Aleph-Tav imagery that we see in this opening phrase of Genesis. In Hebrew, the word את 'et is a contraction of the word אוֹת ʼôwth, spelled Aleph-Vav-Tav, which means "sign, token, ensign, witness, oath, evidence," and so on. This is covenant language, and it is very significant.
The absence of this word in the English translations might cause one to ask themselves, if the oath is so significant, why isn't it translated? In Hebrew Grammar, את is used as a Definite Direct Object Marker (DDOM), a "sign" that marks and points the reader to the definite direct object of the sentence. Therefore, in other languages, like English, which uses sentence structure to indicate the direct object, the DDOM is considered unnecessary, so it is not translated.
In the case of Genesis 1:1, note that there are two DDOMs, one that points the reader up to the Heavens and another that points the reader down to the Earth. Thus, in this opening statement, we can see a concept that resembles the Magen David as these two "pointers" come together and overlap. The Magen David is commonly referred to as the "Star of David," but another and more accurate translation is the "Scales/Sheild of My Beloved."
Recall how the Father introduced Jesus Christ to the Nephites, Joseph, and those present at Jesus' baptism, "This is My Beloved Son...Hear Him" (JSH 1, 3 Nephi 11, Matthew 17:5). Christ alone holds the power to enfold us in His eternal covenant, shielding us through the fullness of His atoning sacrifice. Like a mother hen gathering her chicks, He yearns to wrap us in His sustaining arms—if we will only let Him.
Evidence of a Sacred Origin for the Circle of Fifths
The first known Circle of Fifths that we know of was recorded by a Ukrainian Priest named Nikolai Diletsky in the late 1600s. Diletsky had been trained in the rich music traditions of his people, but these traditions were primarily based on oral tradition. Diletsky knew how fragile these traditions were and that it was only a matter of time before a war, plague, or other disaster would wipe out these sacred traditions like they had so many communities before him. Nikolai heard that European priests were developing a new notation system that could help him preserve the rich musical traditions of his people. So he traveled to Europe to study under the priests, and when he returned, he recorded his musical grammar. This is where we find the first known diagrams of the Circle of Fifths, as we know it today.
When I first came across this manuscript, only the image on the right was published in the article that I had access to. I could not translate it at that time, so I put it aside while I worked on other leads. About a year later, I felt prompted to post the image on Facebook, hoping friends might help. Heather, who rarely logged on, saw my post and felt impressed to contact me. She had served her mission in Russia and knew the text was in an archaic dialect that few people could decipher. However, she suspected one of her friends, a Russian music professor whom she met on her mission, might be able to help.
Heather connected me with Andrey Bunden, a remarkable and brilliant musician who has become a dear friend. To my delight, Andrey had experience in ancient Russian Church music and was familiar with the dialect. Over the next week, we worked on the translation, Andrey confirmed that the right circle represented the minor keys — but the text also referenced another circle. He went to work and found the missing circle on the left. Andrey explained that in sacred Russian music, red text often denoted concepts directly connected to God. Above that left circle, the inscription read Vaobratz, meaning “the Image,” signifying God’s sacred image. Below, it stated, “Yours is the voice of thunder, without beginning and without end.” That discovery was my definitive proof that the Circle of Fifths wasn’t merely an arbitrary construct invented by random musicologists. Rather, it held deep spiritual significance — and it was intended to be a testament of Jesus Christ.
Although there is much more to explore in this analogy, we’ll leave it here for now. As you review this week’s materials, keep this visual framework in mind. It highlights both the eternal nature of the Savior’s atonement and the solemn warnings about endless punishment that He gives in Section 19, urging Martin Harris (and all of us) to stay faithful.
D&C STUDY GUIDE
Some Ways You Can Use This Study Guide
Personal Study: Read each verse (or group of verses) in D&C 10, then refer to the chart’s central themes, description, and biblical/Hebrew/Greek insights.
Copy and paste desired sections and links into your Scripture notes using your LDS Tools. Add any additional insights and incorporate these into your personal collection, keeping the things you want to have easily accessible in one place.
Teaching Settings: Present each row as an opportunity for discussion points. Invite learners to visit CFMCorner.com so they can come to class prepared to share things they discovered while exploring the available resources and cross-references. Encourage them to share their insights.
As time permits, some Hebrew/Greek terms are provided as cross-references to deepen understanding of linguistic or cultural context. However, this represents only a tiny sampling of what is available and waiting to be discovered. Dive in and enjoy the available resources.
Doctrine and Covenants 19 Study Guide & Section Overview
Overview
Doctrine and Covenants 19 is a revelation that addresses the nature of divine judgment and mercy, the meaning of “endless” and “eternal” nature for both the Atonement and punishment. We also read about the importance of generosity, especially when it comes to building up the Kingdom of God, as demonstrated in the command for Martin Harris to sacrifice financially for the printing of the Book of Mormon. Given in 1830 (though likely received near the summer of 1829), this revelation clarifies the Atonement’s scope and demonstrates how the Lord’s judgments are both just and merciful. It powerfully testifies that the Savior’s redeeming grace can rescue the truly penitent from “everlasting” suffering. At the same time, it directs the recipient (Martin Harris) to act in faith, in this case, by Harris' support for the publication of the Book of Mormon.
Timeframe & Setting
Timeframe:
Circa March–Summer of 1830 (though some historians place it a bit earlier, in mid-1829).
This is the period after the Book of Mormon translation was largely complete, but before its formal publication (March 1830 release date).
Setting:
The revelation is directed to an individual (not named in the text but understood historically to be Martin Harris) who is struggling with the financial burden required to print the Book of Mormon.
Saints, Volume 1, chapter 8, describes how the fledgling Church was preparing for the momentous step of publishing the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris had pledged to finance a large part of the printing costs, but he wavered under the magnitude of the potential debt.
D&C 19 helps Martin Harris—and all of us—understand the cost of discipleship. While it addresses the specific financial sacrifice Martin was to make, it simultaneously reveals profound truths about the Savior’s Atonement, personal repentance, and our responsibility to act on covenant commitments.
Key Circumstances
Financial Sacrifice for Publishing the Book of Mormon:
Martin Harris, having mortgaged part of his farm, was uneasy about the significant financial risk. This revelation calls him (and all disciples) to place trust in God’s work over worldly fears.
Clarification of “Eternal” or “Endless” Punishment:
The text explains that phrases like “endless punishment” and “eternal punishment” refer to God’s punishment—not necessarily that the suffering has no end, but that through the Atonement, God purchased our sins, and they belong to Him. Therefore, our release from that punishment is up to us, as Jesus Christ has offered to carry those burdens for us if we accept Him and abide by the terms and conditions that He has set. Punishments will continue as long as individuals remain unrepentant. Repentance and Christ’s grace can “end” the punishment.
Deepened Understanding of the Atonement:
Christ proclaims He suffered infinitely so humankind might not suffer if they would repent. This places essential emphasis on the necessity of turning to Christ.
Personal Accountability:
The revelation underscores that individuals must come to Christ, repent, and keep commandments—doctrine at the core of personal and collective growth in the restored gospel.
Purpose of the Revelation
Instruct Martin Harris to Fulfill His Covenant: The Lord commands him to obey previously made promises regarding the Book of Mormon printing.
Teach Correct Doctrine on Punishment and Mercy: Clarify the difference between “endless” punishment as unending vs. punishment that is God’s (therefore called “eternal”) but can end when we repent.
Bear Witness of the Savior’s Redemptive Power: The Lord reiterates He has suffered that we might not suffer if we choose to repent, highlighting the immeasurable cost of the Atonement.
Nurture Faith Over Fear: Demonstrate that disciples can willingly sacrifice when they understand God’s work. True faith in Christ drives out fear, even fear of financial risk or worldly loss.
Significance
Financial Faith and Sacrifice: Martin Harris’s willingness to consecrate worldly means became a pattern for Latter-day Saints ever after: the Lord’s kingdom advances through covenant sacrifices.
Expanded View of the Atonement: D&C 19’s explanation of “eternal punishment” and the Savior’s infinite suffering remains a foundational text for understanding God’s justice and mercy.
Invitation to Repent: The revelation’s call to repent underscores that mercy can triumph over justice but only through obedience and turning to Christ.
Historic Pivot Point:
With Martin Harris’s decision to honor the divine command, the Book of Mormon was published. This revelation thus directly impacted the Restoration’s course.
Additional References:
Main Topics and Themes from D&C 19
Major Topics & Themes | Resources & Links |
Verses 1–5 – “I Am Alpha and Omega” Theme: The Eternal Power and Nature of God. Description: These verses open with the Lord’s declaration of divine identity: “I am Alpha and Omega,” emphasizing His eternal role. The Lord clarifies His right to pronounce judgments. This statement frames all subsequent counsel. Hebrew/Greek Insights: Greek - Alpha and Omega (Greek): first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing Christ’s eternal nature and His role as the final judge in all things pertaining to the Law (the Torah). Through His Atonement, he fulfilled the demands of the Law, and He is the rightful owner and officiator of such. He alone decides the terms and conditions of repentance and passes judgment pertaining to the punishments affixed to His Law in accordance with His divine will and omniscience. Hebrew: Aleph-Vav-Tav (אוֹת ʼôwth): The first and last letter in the Hebrew Aleph-bet. Letters are the building blocks of the Word, which John Refers to in John 1:1. Reflection Questions: - How might remembering God’s infinite authority provide perspective for our daily challenges? - Why is it important that we recognize that Christ is the only one who has “all power”? - How can the Lord’s promises of His Atoning grace offer us peace and rest? | Cross-References:- Revelation 1:8 (“I am Alpha and Omega”)- D&C 29:1 (“Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer…”) (Rev. 1:8, 11; 21:6; 22:13; 3 Ne. 9:18; D&C 19:1; 38:1; 45:7). - Saints, Vol. 1, Ch. 8: for Martin Harris’s situation and how early Saints saw God as the final authority. Additional Insight: Bruce R. McConkie, “The Purifying Power of Gethsemane” April 1985 |
Verses 6–12 – “Eternal Punishment Is God’s Punishment” Themes: Eternal & Endless Attributes of Divinity Description: The Lord clarifies the nature of “endless” and “eternal” punishment, clarifying that these words describe divine punishment as belonging to Him, which he purchased by subduing all things unto himself, including all powers and judgments through the power of His infinite Atonement. He sets the terms and conditions of the Law, declaring that Repentance can and will mitigate suffering according to His will and purpose. Key Insights: - This revelation overcame a widespread assumption that “endless” means literally “never-ending.” - The emphasis is that only unrepentant souls will remain in the condition of eternal misery. - Repentant souls have access to God’s unending, everlasting, and eternal Atonement in accordance with God’s will and timing. Eph 3:21, Isa 45:17 Hebrew/Greek Word Insights: - In Scripture, “everlasting” (Greek: aiōnios) can sometimes highlight quality ir intensity more than literal never-ending duration. (Ex. Alma the Younger’s endless torment during his conversion process.) -Likewise, the word kriseōs, from the root, krisis “damnation” refers to a separation from God, a revocation of His Spirit, which the Lord refers to in verse 20. Other words for eternal include קֶדֶם qedem, עוֹלָם ʻôwlâm, ἀκατάλυτος akatálytos and these words generally refer to spanning all dispensations, ages, and circumstances, past, present, and future. Reflection Questions: - How do I understand God’s justice and mercy better through this explanation? - Why might clarifying “endless punishment” be crucial to appreciating the eternal nature of the Savior’s Atonement? | - D&C 76:44–46 (emphasizes that God’s punishments are just) - 2 Nephi 2:5–7 (justice and mercy in the plan of redemption), 2 Nephi 9:16, 28:23, Alma 12, 34, and 42, Mormon 5:11 - Mark 3:29 "eternal damnation/ separation" - Saints, Vol. 1, Ch. 8: clarifies the real challenges Martin Harris faced, seeing God’s mercy in practical form. Additional Insight:- Joseph Smith taught that God “institute[s] laws whereby the rest could have a privilege to repent…” (History of the Church). This underscores the infinite scope of mercy. Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” October 1993 |
Verses 13–20 – Atonement and Suffering Theme: The Lord’s account of Gethsemene Description: The Lord reveals sobering details of His suffering, underscoring that He bled at every pore. This is the cost if we do not repent—Christ’s infinite sacrifice was made precisely so we could avoid that torment. Key Insights:- The Savior’s description of His own suffering is rare in scripture. It powerfully testifies of the reality of Gethsemane and the cross.- Atonement is not automatic, nor is it free— it came at a tremendous cost, and to access that power, our personal repentance is required to access the Lord’s infinite mercy. Reflection Questions: - How does pondering Christ’s suffering deepen our commitment to repent? - Why might reading this direct statement from Jesus move us to feel greater gratitude for the Atonement? Relevant Literary Pattern:- “Bleeding at every pore” (Luke 22:44) is repeated as an intense emphasis on the price of sin, which is death. | Cross-References:- Luke 22:44, Mosiah 3:7 (Christ’s suffering and blood from every pore) - Alma 34:8–16 (infinite and eternal sacrifice) - Saints, Vol. 1, Ch. 8: The push to publish the Book of Mormon and how it testifies of Christ’s infinite Atonement. Additional Insight:- Punishment borne vs. punishment averted. The intense physical and spiritual agony of the Savior stands in stark contrast to the spiritual healing offered to penitent souls. Russell M. Nelson, “The Atonement” October 1996 |
Verses 21–24 – Command to “Preach Repentance” Theme: The importance of Humility and Repentance Description: These verses instruct us to preach repentance “even with mildness and meekness.” The Lord personally enjoins all disciples to call others to come unto Him. Key Insights: - Repentance is how one escapes endless punishment. We must warn, but also invite with love. - “Pay the uttermost farthing” is an echo from Christ’s earlier teachings (Matthew 5:25–26); it highlights accountability. Reflection Questions: - In my personal sphere, how might I more effectively share the call to repent? - Why is repentance always described as an act of love and deliverance rather than condemnation in these verses? | - Mosiah 18:20 (preach nothing but repentance) - Helaman 5:10–11 (the name of Christ is the only means of salvation) - Matthew 5:25–26 (on “the uttermost farthing”) Additional Insight:- Mildness and meekness: The Greek concept of “praus” (meek) indicates controlled strength, exemplified by the Savior. M. Russell Ballard, “The Blessings of Sacrifice,” April 1992 Elder Bednar, “Learn of Me” Facebook Post Elder Neil L. Andersen “‘Repent ... That I May Heal You.’” October 2009 |
Verses 25–36 – Command to Sacrifice and Keep Covenants Theme: Description: The Lord speaks to Martin Harris specifically about sacrificing wealth for the printing of the Book of Mormon. Emphasizes that “I command you to repent… pay the debt thou hast contracted.” Key Insights: - True discipleship calls for real sacrifice. Martin Harris needed to mortgage his farm to secure publication. What sacrifices are we asked to make? - The Lord promises blessings for obedience: “I am God, and have spoken it.” Hebrew/Greek Word Insight:- “Sacrifice” from Latin sacra + facere means “to make holy.” Our sacrifices sanctify us. Reflection Questions: - When have I felt the prompting to sacrifice something valuable in order to move forward God’s work? - How does God’s invitation to “do His will” become a personal test of discipleship in our day? | - D&C 24:1–9 (the Lord sustains His servants even in adversity) - Ether 12:6 (a trial of faith precedes the witness) - Saints, Vol. 1, Ch. 8: provides the historical narrative of how Martin’s farm was put up as collateral, fulfilling the command. Additional Insight:- Early Saints repeatedly testified that seeing Martin Harris remain faithful to that severe financial obligation reaffirmed their own commitment. "That They Might Come to Understanding": Revelation as Process Steven C. Harper Nelson, President Russell M. “We Can Do Better and Be Better.” General Conference April 2019 |
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